Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine Pearl Jubilee Gala Dinner today (December 8):

Honourable Vice-Minister Yu Xuejun (Vice-Minister of the National Health Commission), Professor Gilberto Leung (President of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine), Dr Chow Yu-fat (Chairman of the 30th Anniversary Celebration Organising Committee), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. I am pleased to join you all this evening, in celebrating the pearl jubilee of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine.

     Over the years, Hong Kong has established a robust healthcare system that is both credible and efficient. We are among the places with the longest life expectancy in the world.

     At last count, we have over 19 000 registered doctors and dentists in Hong Kong, and over 8 500 of them, or 44 per cent, are specialists.

     From combatting the epidemic and other diseases, to promoting the general health of our people, Hong Kong's doctors and dentists are the gatekeepers of our community. You protect the health of everyone living in Hong Kong, our home. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in giving a big round of applause to our medical professionals!

     Medical practitioners are guardians of our health. It is important that they keep abreast of the latest developments in medicine.

     The Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, in the past three decades, has been playing a leading role in upholding the professional competence of our doctors and dentists. Through specialist training curriculum and CPD programmes, the Academy facilitates our practitioners' delivery of the best care possible for patients. 

     On this occasion, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Academy, for your support over the years. From manpower planning and training of specialists, to uplifting the overall professional qualities of our healthcare services, your contribution is essential to the success of our healthcare system.

     Under the auspices of the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong is the only city in the world that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. Hong Kong boasts five universities in the world's top 100. Our two medical schools are among the top three in Asia, and in the world's top 40.

     Alongside our distinguished medical research and education institutions, we have a large pool of multilingual, efficient and dedicated medical professionals. 

     We are uniquely positioned to access international expertise, capital and markets, like no other cities or economies. The National 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong's development into an international I&T centre. For the local healthcare sector, this presents an unprecedented opportunity. Now more than ever, we must seize the opportunity to make our mark as a leading health and medical innovation hub in the region.

     That is also why I announced in my second Policy Address that we are working to establish a Hong Kong-based drug approval authority. To do that, we need more global medical enterprises to come and invest in Hong Kong. Our multi-talented, multilingual medical and healthcare professionals – Hong Kong's golden brand of professionals – would naturally make a good appeal to these enterprises.

     I have full confidence that the Academy of Medicine, with 30 years of experience and expertise in training our world-class professionals, will continue to contribute in shaping our brand within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, on the Mainland and around the globe.

     Indeed, the setting up of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Medical Specialist Training Centre, through the Academy's collaboration with Mainland health authorities, helps to nurture medical talent in Shenzhen, the Greater Bay Area and the entire country.

     Ladies and gentlemen, as Hippocrates has said, and I quote, "Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity". Hong Kong is proud to have a world-class medical sector. We will do all we can to support your important work in safeguarding the health of our community.

     My warmest congratulations again on the Academy's pearl jubilee. I wish you all an enjoyable evening, and a healthy year ahead. Thank you.

    

     The Director of Audit, Professor Nelson Lam, led a delegation of Audit Commission officers to Zhuhai to attend the 7th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Audit Conference 2023 held December 6 to 8 for an exchange of experiences in big data auditing with representatives of auditing departments from participating regions and cities. 

     Themed "A study on the implementation and development trend of big data auditing under the empowerment of technology", the conference was attended by more than 130 representatives from official auditing departments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party of China Zhuhai Municipal Committee and the Mayor of the Zhuhai Municipal Government, Mr Huang Zhihao; the Secretary of the Leading Party Members' Group and Director of the Audit Office of Guangdong Province, Mr Ma Xuebin; Professor Lam; and the Commissioner of Audit of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Ho Veng-on, graced the opening ceremony with their speeches.

     In his speech, Professor Lam mentioned that the Hong Kong Government has been actively promoting the development of a smart city and digital economy, so as to proactively integrate into the overall development of the country. The Audit Commission of Hong Kong has been striving to foster research-based and big data auditing. He hoped that through this conference, the Audit Commission of Hong Kong might have in-depth exchanges with counterparts in the auditing sector of Guangdong and Macao, with whom the Audit Commission might join hands to formulate promising plans for "powerful and technology-based auditing" and enable more in-depth, comprehensive and precise auditing work. With concerted efforts, the public auditing sector could actively exercise its "all-encompassing" surveillance power, so as to fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. It would be the auditing sector's collective goal to follow the three instructions of President Xi on public auditing – "to function under the nation’s directions as the arm moving the finger, to cover issues closely as the shadow following the body, and to make powerful statements as thunder piercing the ears".

     During the conference, representatives of the auditing departments from the three areas shared their local experiences and practices in big data auditing and had in-depth exchanges of views and insights. The Audit Commission submitted a discussion paper on the application of big data technology in auditing in the context of Hong Kong, with the writing guided by the remarks of President Xi on big data work. The paper was awarded a special prize in the writing event of the 7th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Audit Conference 2023. In addition, a representative from the Audit Commission also took part in the 2023 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area big data auditing skills competition with nature and environment protection as the topic of choice, and demonstrated the application of data visualisation technology in analysing the efficiency of marine water quality improvement. He won an outstanding award for his demonstration.  

     During the trip, the delegations of Hong Kong and Macao also visited the Xiangzhou District and the High-Tech Industrial Development Zone in Zhuhai, where local officials briefed them on the latest developments of the districts.   

     Professor Lam said that as the first Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Audit Conference that resumed after the epidemic, this year's conference had once again united the auditing profession of the three areas. It had served as an important and valuable platform for exchanges, from which the Audit Commission of Hong Kong had gained understandings on the latest developments in big data auditing. In line with policies of the Central Government, the Audit Commission of Hong Kong would continue its efforts to promote the innovative collaboration and integrated development of the auditing sector of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

              

     â€‹In response to the Japanese Government's plan to discharge nuclear-contaminated water at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station, the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene issued a Food Safety Order which prohibits all aquatic products, sea salt and seaweeds originating from the 10 metropolis/prefectures, namely Tokyo, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Miyagi, Chiba, Gunma, Tochigi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama, from being imported into and supplied in Hong Kong.
      
     For other Japanese aquatic products, sea salt, and seaweeds that are not prohibited from being imported into Hong Kong, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will conduct comprehensive radiological tests to verify that the radiation levels of these products do not exceed the guideline levels before they are allowed to be supplied in the market.
      
     As the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water is unprecedented and will continue for 30 years or more, the Government will closely monitor and step up the testing arrangements. Should anomalies be detected, the Government does not preclude further tightening the scope of the import ban.
      
     From noon on December 7 to noon today (December 8), the CFS conducted tests on the radiological levels of 176 food samples imported from Japan, which were of the "aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt" category. No sample was found to have exceeded the safety limit. Details can be found on the CFS's thematic website titled "Control Measures on Foods Imported from Japan" (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/programme_rafs_fc_01_30_Nuclear_Event_and_Food_Safety.html).
      
     In parallel, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has also tested 50 samples of local catch for radiological levels. All the samples passed the tests. Details can be found on the AFCD's website (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/Radiological_testing/Radiological_Test.html).
      
     The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has also enhanced the environmental monitoring of the local waters. No anomaly has been detected so far. For details, please refer to the HKO's website
     (www.hko.gov.hk/en/radiation/monitoring/seawater.html).
      
     From August 24 to noon today, the CFS and the AFCD have conducted tests on the radiological levels of 18 875 samples of food imported from Japan (including 12 529 samples of aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt) and 5 264 samples of local catch respectively. All the samples passed the tests.

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at Malta's Republic Day Celebration today (December 8):
 
Sein (Consul of Malta in Hong Kong, Ms Sein Chew), Mr Gnocchi (Head of European Union in Hong Kong, Mr Thomas Gnocchi), Mr Pan (Deputy Commissioner of the Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Pan Yundong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good evening. It is with immense pleasure that I join you in celebrating the spirit of Malta's Republic Day, a hallmark of your nation's proud and sovereign identity. On behalf of the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of the HKSAR Government, I extend the warmest congratulations to the people of Malta on your national celebration.
 
     Nearly five decades ago, Malta embarked on a new chapter in its illustrious history, revising its constitution and embracing the status of a republic. This bold step not only symbolised the end of a historical era, but also marked the beginning of a journey towards self-governance and national pride. Today, we commend Malta's accomplishments since the transformation and celebrate the spirit of freedom and progress that the Republic Day embodies.
 
     Our ties with Malta extend beyond today's celebration, rooted in our longstanding economic and trade relationships. The Comprehensive Double Taxation Agreement signed between Malta and Hong Kong in 2011 stands as a testament to our mutual commitment to fostering an environment conducive to financial prosperity and co-operation. This agreement has laid a foundation for our flourishing partnership, enabling businesses and individuals to thrive and contribute to the economic welfare of both our regions.
 
     In these times of global economic flux, where challenges and uncertainties abound, Hong Kong's resilience as an international financial centre continues to shine. Implementation of "one country, two systems" bridges the vast potential of our motherland with the dynamic pulse of global finance in our city. It is this unique strength that has enabled us to weather storms and emerge resilient.
 
     This resilience is evident in the performance of our financial sectors. As of the end of October, the securities market has seen a 17 per cent year-on-year rebound in market capitalisation, while our asset and wealth management sector recorded net inflow of HK$88 billion reaching HK$30.5 trillion at the end of last year. The banking industry, too, has shown increase in deposits, and the insurance sector has recorded an impressive 30.6 per cent surge in new office premiums of long-term business, excluding retirement scheme business, in the first three quarters of this year.
 
     These achievements reflect Hong Kong's commitment to maintaining a strong, reliable, and forward-thinking financial hub that Malta and other global partners can confidently rely on. As an international financial centre, Hong Kong extends a warm invitation to companies from Malta to capitalise on our status as a major hub for capital formation. 
 
     Moreover, as the world's largest offshore RMB (Renminbi) business hub, we are eager to welcome companies from Malta to issue RMB bonds in Hong Kong. We also encourage banks from Malta to leverage our comprehensive RMB clearing and settlement system, which facilitates RMB trade settlements and a spectrum of other RMB-related financial activities, thereby streamlining Malta's commercial interactions with Mainland China.
 
     Such collaborations will unlock new growth avenues, fortifying the economic bonds between our regions. As we navigate the complexities of the international economic environment, let us reaffirm our dedication to nurturing our ties and work together to foster a future rich in opportunity and mutual success.
 
     In closing, I once again convey my warmest regards on the occasion of celebrating Malta's Republic Day. May the year ahead be filled with peace, prosperity, and continued friendship between us. Thank you.

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) was notified today (December 8) by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) that an environmental sample taken from the Mai Po Nature Reserve (MPNR) tested positive for H5N1 subtype highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.
      
     A research team of the School of Public Health, HKU collects samples from the MPNR regularly for avian influenza surveillance. Among the environmental samples collected on December 6, a sample of faecal dropping has been confirmed to be positive for H5N1.
      
     An AFCD spokesman said the World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong, the managing organisation of the MPNR, has stepped up cleansing and disinfection of tourist facilities including bird hides and floating boardwalk. Disinfectant carpet has been placed at the entrance of the MPNR for visitors to disinfect the soles of their shoes. In addition, the AFCD is closely monitoring the situation of the birds in the MPNR and has put up notices to remind visitors to pay attention to personal hygiene.
      
     There are no chicken farms within three kilometres of the MPNR. Since winter set in, the AFCD has strengthened avian influenza surveillance and been closely monitoring the situation of the local poultry farms and wholesale market. Poultry farmers, pet bird shop owners, and licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons are reminded from time to time to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza have been implemented.
      
     "People should avoid contact with wild birds and live poultry and their droppings. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. Members of the public can call 1823 for the AFCD's follow-up if they come across birds suspected to be sick or dead, including the carcasses of wild birds and poultry," the spokesman said.
      
     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will continue to be vigilant over live poultry stalls. It will also remind stall operators to maintain good hygiene.
      
     The Department of Health will keep up with its health education to remind members of the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent avian influenza.
      
     The AFCD, the FEHD, the Customs and Excise Department and the Police will strive to deter the illegal import of poultry and birds into Hong Kong to minimise the risk of avian influenza outbreaks caused by imported poultry and birds that have not gone through inspection and quarantine.
      
     All relevant government departments will continue to be highly vigilant and strictly enforce preventive measures against avian influenza. Health advice about preventing avian influenza is available on the AFCD website at www.afcd.gov.hk.